𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐘, ᵁᴺᴰᴱᴿᴳᴿᴼᵁᴺᴰ ᴿᴬᴾᴾᴱᴿˢ & ᴿᴬᴾᴾᴱᴿˢ

DOUBTS, 028

IN WHICH... SHE HAS DOUBTS THAT HE MIGHT LEAVE HER FOR SOMEONE ELSE

Y/N LEANED AGAINST THE KITCHEN COUNTER, HER EYES FIXED ON THE DIGITAL CLOCK ABOVE THE STOVE.

It was almost midnight, and Elijah was still at the studio. She tried to focus on the rhythm of the dripping faucet, but her mind was elsewhere, swirling with thoughts she couldn't shake off.

"Why do I always do this to myself?" she muttered, running a hand through her curls. She grabbed her phone and opened Elijah's Instagram. He'd posted a story an hour ago, a short clip of him laughing with his friends at the studio. They were working on a new track, something he was incredibly excited about. Y/N smiled at his joy but couldn't ignore the gnawing feeling in her gut.

"He's just working," she told herself for the hundredth time. But the doubt lingered, creeping into her thoughts like an unwelcome guest. Elijah was a rising star, and the industry was full of beautiful, talented people. She couldn't help but wonder if he might meet someone who fit into his world better than she did.

She shook her head, trying to dispel the negative thoughts. Elijah loved her; he always made sure to tell her that. But late nights and glamorous events, the kind she rarely attended, made it hard to feel secure. She sighed and put her phone down, deciding to make herself a cup of tea.

As she waited for the water to boil, memories of when they first met flooded her mind. They had been introduced by a mutual friend at a party, and Elijah had been charming, funny, and down-to-earth. He had taken an interest in her immediately, and they had spent the entire night talking and laughing. It had been magical, the kind of connection that felt like fate.

But that was two years ago, and things had changed. Elijah's career had taken off, and while she was proud of him, it also meant more time apart, more late nights at the studio, and more events she didn't feel comfortable attending.

The kettle whistled, snapping her out of her thoughts. She poured the hot water into a mug and watched the tea leaves swirl, trying to find some comfort in the familiar routine.

Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen. It was a text from Elijah.

"Hey baby, almost done here. Can't wait to see you. Love you."

She smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. She quickly typed back, "Love you too. Be safe."

It wasn't long before she heard the front door open and the sound of Elijah's footsteps. He appeared in the kitchen doorway, looking tired but happy. His eyes lit up when he saw her, and he crossed the room to pull her into a hug.

"Hey, beautiful," he murmured into her hair. "Missed you."

She hugged him back, savoring the feeling of his arms around her. "Missed you too. How was the studio?"

"It was good," he said, pulling back to look at her. "We laid down some amazing tracks. I can't wait for you to hear them."

She smiled, trying to push the lingering doubts away. "I'm glad. You must be exhausted."

"A little," he admitted, taking her hand and leading her to the living room. They sat on the couch, and he leaned back, closing his eyes. "But it's worth it. I love what I do."

"I know," she said softly, studying his face. "I'm proud of you."

He opened his eyes and looked at her, his expression serious. "You okay? You seem... distant."

She hesitated, not wanting to burden him with her insecurities, but she knew she couldn't keep it all inside. "I just... I worry sometimes. About us."

His brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"It's just... you're out there, meeting all these amazing people. And I'm here, just... me. I can't help but wonder if you'll find someone better."

"Y/N," he said firmly, taking her hands in his. "There is no one better than you. I love you. Not just because you're beautiful or smart or funny, but because you're you. You're my home."

Tears welled up in her eyes, and she looked away, embarrassed. "I know, it's just... hard sometimes."

He cupped her face, making her look at him. "I get it. But you have to trust me. I'm not going anywhere. You're my everything."

She nodded, sniffling. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be insecure."

"Don't apologize," he said softly. "Just talk to me. Let me in."

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. "Okay. I'll try."

He pulled her into another hug, holding her tight. "Good. Now, how about we watch a movie or something?"

She smiled, feeling a bit lighter. "I'd like that."

They spent the rest of the night curled up on the couch, watching a movie and enjoying each other's company. And for a little while, the doubts and fears melted away, leaving only the warmth of their love.